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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Helsinki Biennial.

What are the opening hours of the Helsinki Biennial?

Vallisaari
8.6.–21.9.
Mon closed
Tues–Sun 11–18
(open during Midsummer 20.–22.6)

HAM Helsinki Art Museum
 8.6.–21.9.
Mon closed
Tues 10–17
Wed–Fri 11–19
Sat–Sun 11–17
Exceptions in the opening hours

Esplanadi Park
8.6.–21.9.

How much is the admission fee to the Helsinki Biennial?

The exhibition on Vallisaari Island is free of charge. There is a fee for the ferry.

The exhibition in Esplanade Park is free of charge.

There is a museum admission fee for the biennial exhibition at HAM Helsinki Art Museum.

Where can I find information on the accessibility of the Helsinki Biennial?

Accessibility information will be updated on the Helsinki Biennial website during the spring.

If you have any questions concerning the accessibility of the ferries, please contact the ferry operator: FRS Finland, +35810 202 3780 (Mon–Fri 9 am-3 pm), info@frs-finland.fi

What is a biennial?

The word ‘biennial’ comes from the Italian term biennale, meaning every other year. In the art world, the term refers to large-scale exhibitions held every two years.

Vallisaari Island

How can I get to Vallisaari?

There is a regular ferry service to Vallisaari operated by FRS Finland. The regular ferry service to Vallisaari runs from the Market Square’s Keisarinluodonlaituri pier.

FRS Finland also operates the Western archipelago route, running from Espoo to Helsinki from 7 June to 7 September 2025.

Read more about the ferry traffic

The biennial opens each day at 11 am – why does the ferry service to Vallisaari Island start earlier?

You can, of course, also visit Vallisaari Island outside the opening hours of Helsinki Biennial. In addition, some of the biennial’s outdoor works can be experienced outside the regular opening hours.

Exactly where does the ferry from the mainland arrive in Vallisaari?

The Vallisaari ferries arrive at Luotsipiha.

Where does the ferry leave from Vallisaari for the mainland?

The ferries leave for the mainland from Torpedo Bay in the east of the island.

I have some questions about the ferry services. Who can I contact?

FRS Finland, +35810 202 3780 (Mon–Fri 9 am-3 pm), info@frs-finland.fi

 

Can I visit the Helsinki Biennial by using my own boat?

You can also visit the island by your own boat. There are 60 guest mooring places.

Find out more about the guest harbour.

Can I visit the Helsinki Biennial by kayak?

You can visit the island by kayak. Suitable places for coming ashore include the sandy coves by the Luotsipiha pier and the Luotsitalo building. However, it is forbidden to enter the island or come ashore in the restricted areas in the south of Vallisaari.

Can I bring a dog with me to Helsinki Biennial in Vallisaari?

You can bring a dog to Vallisaari. However, all dogs must be kept on a lead. This is also for the dogs’ own safety. Dogs or other pets may not, however, be brought indoors.

Is there food and drink available in Vallisaari?

There are several cafes and restaurants in Vallisaari. Most of them are located at Torpedo Bay.

All services on Vallisaari can be found on this map.

Can I fill my drinking bottle in Vallisaari?

You can fill your drinking bottle at the water points near the arrival and departure piers in Vallisaari.

Can I go indoors carrying a rucksack?

You can carry a rucksack into the exhibition galleries on Vallisaari. However, in order to protect the works of art, our exhibition attendants will ask you to keep your rucksack in front of you, or in your hand.

Can I swim on Vallisaari?

It is not safe to swim in the pond on Vallisaari or off the rocks on the shores. You can swim at the sandy cove on Kuninkaansaari. However, the cove is not an official beach.